Just because skin is relatively young doesn’t mean it can’t be sensitive, especially as kids approach puberty. But whether they’re little or tweeage, this Blue Lizard is a crowd-pleaser for the family, thanks to its non-irritatating formula and easy-to-see application.

“For kids I tend to recommend mineral rub-in sunscreens, so you can see where you may miss,” says dermatologist Dr. Scott Walter, who’s known as @denverskindoc to his 1.3 million TikTok followers. “This mineral lotion rubs in easily and provides great broad spectrum coverage.” 

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Naana Boakye is also a fan. It’s a “dependable mineral sunscreen that offers strong, broad-spectrum protection for little ones,” she says. “It’s free from harsh chemicals and fragrances, and the formula is water-resistant, which is perfect for park days, sports, and pool time.” 

“It’s a lightweight, mineral sunscreen that’s perfect for the pool or outdoor sports,” he says. 

It’s another vote for Blue Lizard, this time for its kid-specific formula, which is a great under-$20 option for kids off to daycamp or sports practice.

“It is a mineral SPF offering broad spectrum (UVA+UVB) protection and 80 minutes of water resistance, making it a great option for a day at the pool or beach,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Katie Beleznay, who talks all things skincare with more than 200,000 Instagram followers. 

And while it doesn’t say it’s made for sensitive skin, the formula is gentle and non-irritating, she says:  “The formulation is also good for sensitive skin,” she adds. 

It’s hard to find a sunscreen that kids will like, especially if their day is about to involve water or sweat—two times when the thread of sunscreen in the eyes is real. This one stays put and provides up to 80 minutes of water resistance, giving kids plenty of time to splash around tear-free. 

Dr. Zain Husain, who dishes on SPF and skincare to more than 34,000 followers on Instagram, recommends the formula as a mineral option for little ones. 

“It’s a lightweight, mineral sunscreen that’s perfect for the pool or outdoor sports,” he says.

Neutrogena has been a dermatologist favorite for a long time, thanks to its gentle formulations for bodycare and SPF. This one is no different, and for families looking to watch their budget, the mineral formulation delivers at an under-$10 price point. 

“It gives strong UV protection without chemical filters, which appeals to parents who want something as natural as possible,” says dermatologist Dr. Dylan Greeney, who dishes on all things affordable and effective skincare to more than 139,000 Instagram followers. “It’s also non-greasy and very water-resistant.”

When it comes to SPF, the best course might be letting teens find their own favorite formula instead of continuing to share the family bottle of sunscreen, especially as their skin changes and starts to do its own thing. After all, if they like the formula, they’re more likely to use it every day. 

If they need a starting point, La Roche-Posay’s SPFs are a derm favorite and they have the added credibility of being super-popular on TikTok and Instagram — so chances are they’ve already heard of the brand from their favorite influencer. (Plus, it’s French, so it’s automatically chic.) 

Even better? An SPF that streamlines their roll-out-of-bed morning routine. This one steps in as the last step in their skincare routine since it’s a solid moisturizer that also provides sun protection. 

“For my teen patients, I love this two-for-one moisturizer with built-in SPF,” says Boakye. “Teens are often non-compliant, so simplifying their morning routine increases consistency. It hydrates, protects, and helps build good skincare habits early on.”